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Batista, Mets blank Reds

Sep 29, 2011 - 3:06 AM Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Miguel Batista tossed his first shutout since 2006, a two-hitter, and the New York Mets closed out the regular season with a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field.

The 40-year-old Batista (5-2) walked two and struck out five for the Mets, who snapped a three-game losing streak and finished 2011 with a 77-85 record.

"I do think there is a lot of reason for optimism," said New York third baseman David Wright.

Edinson Volquez (5-7) gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings for Cincinnati, which posted a 79-83 mark one year after capturing the NL Central title.

"[Volquez] threw the ball well enough to win," said Reds manager Dusty Baker.

Looking to become the first batting champion in Mets history, Jose Reyes was taken out after a bunt single in the first. The hit raised Reyes' average to .337. His closest competition, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, went 0-for-4 Wednesday night and wound up with a .332 average.

Nick Evans put New York on the board with an RBI single in the fourth. Mike Baxter extended the lead with his first major league home run, a two-out, two- run blast to right-center in the sixth.

Game Notes

The Reds were vying for their first three-game sweep in Flushing since April 13-15, 2001...Batista recorded his 11th career complete game...Edgar Renteria and Chris Heisey notched the hits for Cincinnati.